If a cable shows light corrosion on the inner strands, what is the recommended action?

If a cable shows light corrosion on the inner strands, what is the recommended action?

• A. Replace the entire cable
• B. Repair the affected portion
• C. Apply protective coating
• D. Ignore if flight isn't critical

Answer: (A)

When a control cable shows corrosion on inner strands, the safety-critical integrity of the cable is compromised. The inner strands contribute significantly to the tensile strength and load carriage; corrosion there indicates moisture and damage that may not be visible on the outside and can weaken the entire rope. Since cables in aircraft controls undergo dynamic loading and vibration, any weakened area can fail unexpectedly. Repairing the affected portion or patching is not an approved safe fix for such damage, because it cannot reliably restore full strength and may create inconsistent load behavior. Applying a protective coating does not address the actual loss of material or hidden corrosion, and ignoring the issue is not acceptable for a critical system. Replacing the entire cable ensures known, uniform strength and airworthiness for safe operation.

When a control cable shows corrosion on inner strands, the safety-critical integrity of the cable is compromised. The inner strands contribute significantly to the tensile strength and load carriage; corrosion there indicates moisture and damage that may not be visible on the outside and can weaken the entire rope. Since cables in aircraft controls undergo dynamic loading and vibration, any weakened area can fail unexpectedly. Repairing the affected portion or patching is not an approved safe fix for such damage, because it cannot reliably restore full strength and may create inconsistent load behavior. Applying a protective coating does not address the actual loss of material or hidden corrosion, and ignoring the issue is not acceptable for a critical system. Replacing the entire cable ensures known, uniform strength and airworthiness for safe operation.